Second Sundays market
Andover set to be buzzing with family-friendly events in 2023
From markets to movie nights, Andover town centre has a jam-packed event programme lined up for this year.
Throughout 2023 Test Valley Borough Council, along with other local organisations and event organisers, will deliver an exciting set of events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
New events organised by the council will include family-friendly street theatre, secret car boot sales taking place in a unique location and summer evening entertainment featuring live music and street food.
Keen cyclists can look forward to the return of Andover’s cycling festival which will include a special cycle cinema experience this year. A giant outdoor screen will pop-up in Vigo Park, powered solely by some energetic volunteers who will cycle on static bikes to run a classic feature film.
Firm favourite Four Fun Fridays will once again liven up the High Street throughout August and the council will be running additional weekly events over the summer, hosting different activities for children to take part in.
In celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort there will be special activities for children to enjoy in the Chantry Centre, as well as card-making competitions for schools to particate in. These activities will take place alongside street parties and local events that are being organised by Andover residents and community groups.
There will be festive fun to look forward to later in the year including the town’s popular Christmas lights switch on and Father Christmas will open the doors to his Grotto in the Chantry Centre.
As part of the town’s events offering, Andover’s markets will give local independent businesses the chance to showcase their products and meet new customers.
The Chantry Centre’s indoor pop-up market will feature a variety of local traders selling handmade crafted items and artisan goods.
The flourishing Second Sundays market, which was developed by HemingwayDesign on behalf of the council in 2022, will also return to the High Street in March. Second Sundays features local designer-makers, artisan producers and street food sellers as well as entertainment and workshops, bringing a fresh new vibe to the centre of the town.
The 2023 programme has been developed to support the cultural and economic regeneration in Andover town centre by providing a colourful schedule of events and entertainment for residents and visitors.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North said: “Following the success of last year’s events, we have ensured there is a really packed calendar in place for this year. There will be lots of different events appealing to all interests, most of which will be completely free to attend and will have something for all the family to enjoy.
“This is a really exciting time for Andover, we have so much on our doorstep and these events will help to showcase local talent, bring the community together and help support local businesses in the town.”
For full details of Test Valley Borough Council’s upcoming events, visit testvalley.gov.uk/events.